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The Dark Horse
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Soulful story about chess, mental illness, and redemption.
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The Dark Horse
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Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis), a real-life Maori chess champion in New Zealand, is the subject of this compelling biopic. Focusing on the weeks and months after Genesis is discharged from a mental institution, THE DARK HORSE depicts both his struggle to find his bearings and his impact on an after-school chess club where he coaches underprivileged and troubled kids. All the while, he's managing a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and navigating a relationship between his beloved but sometimes violent brother, Ariki (Wayne Hapa), and his troubled-but-still-hopeful nephew, Mana (James Rolleston), who's poised to be introduced into his father's biker gang.
Is It Any Good?
If you want to see a great actor fully inhabit his role, then watch Curtis in this deeply moving film: He's its heart. Though it follows a similar trajectory as other inspiring biopics, The Dark Horse surprises by taking detours -- into both Genesis' childhood and his increasingly fraught relationships with his brother and his nephew, as well as his mental illness -- that not only enhance the storyline but deepen it to a level that renders the whole thing both hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking. They're unexpected but yet feel universal and true.
The chess is interesting, too: This intricate game rises above the station of mere storytelling prop, acting instead as both symbol and savior -- not just for the kids, but for Genesis himself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can tak about how The Dark Horse handles the subject of mental illness. Is it realistic? Authentic? Respectful? How does it compare to other movies that tackle the subject?
What role does empathy play in the story? Why is that an important character strength?
Does the movie glamorize drinking and/or drug use? Are there consequences? Why is that important?
How does the film address racism and classism in New Zealand? What role does chess play for the kids that Genesis coaches?
The movie is based on real events. How accurate do you think it is? Why might filmmakers decide to alter the facts of what happened? How could you find out more about the story behind the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 1, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: July 12, 2016
- Cast: Cliff Curtis , James Rolleston , Kirk Torrance
- Director: James Napier Robertson
- Inclusion Information: Polynesian/Pacific Islander actors, Indigenous actors
- Studio: Broad Green Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 124 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, and drug use
- Last updated: April 1, 2023
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